Thomas was on campus at South Carolina earlier this month with several of his teammates from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. Originally from Florence, S.C., Thomas has narrowed his list down to South Carolina and Clemson, though he’s left the door cracked for Alabama.

The 6-foot-3, 263-pound defensive end will announce his commitment on his birthday, Dec. 20.

Earlier this year, Thomas picked up another invite to The Opening. During the regional event in Orlando, he said South Carolina and Clemson are about even.

“I haven’t been to South Carolina for a while, but everyone expects me to go to Clemson, because they have the new facilities and they just won a championship. I already knew about the facility. I already expected them to win the championship,” Thomas said. “I’m just looking forward to seeing South Carolina and how they do with this upcoming season.”

He added, “USC has been my dream school, so them telling me I can come there and be the face of the program is big.”